Manchester United receive transfer blow ahead of January

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Ruben Neves, but Wolves have put on a huge price tag to fend them off.

The Premier League is underway, but you wouldn’t think so judging by Manchester United’s poor start. Jose Mourinho and company were expected to challenge for the top spots this season, or at least push for a top four finish. Their summer was by no means extraordinary, but the players available to them are capable of much more than seventh.

Still, Mourinho will look to improve in January. With fans already looking ahead to the new year, the board of directors will have even more reason to do so with the transfer window in full swing.

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And rightly so, United have already been looking at potential acquisitions. The main name which pops up a lot is Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers, known for being their best player and a real unearthed gem. Having already been faced with competition from City, the Red Devils will now have even more reason to ditch, given Wolves’ valuation of £110m, as per The Times.

While United do have that kind of money, they will certainly be cautious about waving it around. In the summer, Mourinho was adamant to the press that he wouldn’t be the type of manager to spend lots of cash. Also, he will be put off by the high expectations placed on the club following Pogba’s world record transfer fee at the time.

To put it into perspective, United will need to pay around £20m more for Neves than they did with Pogba. I know inflation is ridiculous nowadays, but I just don’t think Neves is worth that amount of money.

It’s an extortionate fee to pay for a player who was playing in the second tier of English football last season. In his defence, he did help Wolves win a ticket back to the top flight, but I don’t think it warrants the high valuation. It’s understandable, but the fee is still not worth it.

Should United sign him, and he does turn into a star, then I will happily eat my words. There is potential in him for sure, and working with his countryman Jose Mourinho will earn him plenty of respect and in turn, benefits.

What do you make of the situation? Would signing Ruben Neves for such a fee by a gamble from Manchester United’s perspective, or should they pay the money and run?